Kazakhstan’s transformation continues. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s reforms are steadily reshaping the country’s political system and state institutions. The first major step was the 2022 constitutional reform. In a nationwide referendum, Kazakh citizens supported 56 amendments to 33 articles of the Basic Law. The new stage of political modernization consolidated the redistribution of powers and strengthened the role of Parliament, reinforcing the formula of a “Strong President – Influential Parliament – Accountable Government.” The reforms also introduced a single seven-year presidential term, established new regions and created the Constitutional Court. The status of the Human Rights Commissioner was also enshrined in the Constitution. At the same time, President Tokayev set a course toward building a “Just Kazakhstan.”
«The 2022 referendum demonstrated an unprecedented level of national consolidation around the strategic objectives set for our country. The overwhelming support of citizens for the new political course proposed to them strengthened its irreversibility. In a very short period by historical standards, society underwent a fundamental evolution toward political maturity and civic responsibility,» Tokayev said.
From 2023 to 2025, Kazakhstan continued the reboot of its state institutions. Elections to the Mazhilis and maslikhats were held under a mixed electoral system, mechanisms for protecting citizens’ rights were expanded, and opportunities for public participation in governance increased. And finally, 2026 — the year a new stage of reforms began. A landmark event in Kazakhstan’s history. The changes covered 77 articles of the Constitution, or 84% of the text. On March 15, a new Constitution was adopted in a nationwide referendum and entered into force on July 1. The preamble to the Basic Law enshrines the principles of strengthening statehood, as well as priorities for the development of human capital, education, science and innovation. The Constitution also proclaims the principles of Justice, Law and Order as the key foundations for the country’s development.
«First of all, the idea of human-centeredness and the priority of human rights and freedoms run throughout the entire Constitution. And for example, if we look through the Preamble, we can see that it declares the strict observance of human rights and freedoms,» said Dinara Zakiyeva, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Related Articles
